Caution: Stupid noob question incoming

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I finally got 220 in my work area so I was able to bring out my Hobart 235 AC/DC machine out for a bit. I love this thing. Using E6013 Lincoln Fleetweld 37-RSP 14" rods set at DC+ at about 100 amps. Do the setting look ok?  I'm just running beads practicing. Also, when I'm no welding, should I leave the welder on and allow for fan cooling or turn it off?  I doubt I'm anywhere near duty cycle but...I appreciate all input. I have thick skin, actually I'm sorta fat but whatever. Miller Diversion 165 TIGMillermatic 211/141 with Auto-SetHobart Stickmate LX235 AC/DC StickNorthern Tool 135 MIG & Dry Cut SawKlutch ST80i/ST200i Stick/TigGrizzly G9742 BandsawMilwaukee Circular Steel Saw/Portaband/SWAG Offroad Table
Reply:Leave it on, unless yer breaking for lunch etc.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Thanks Broccoli. Any input on the DC +/- setting?  Does it matter?Miller Diversion 165 TIGMillermatic 211/141 with Auto-SetHobart Stickmate LX235 AC/DC StickNorthern Tool 135 MIG & Dry Cut SawKlutch ST80i/ST200i Stick/TigGrizzly G9742 BandsawMilwaukee Circular Steel Saw/Portaband/SWAG Offroad Table
Reply:Try both, see which polarity you like best.Are those 1/8" rods?Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Yes, 1/8" rods. I've tried both and they seem the same to a greenhorn like me. LOLHopefully as I learn more I'll be better able to distinguish between the two. Thanks for everyone's input.Miller Diversion 165 TIGMillermatic 211/141 with Auto-SetHobart Stickmate LX235 AC/DC StickNorthern Tool 135 MIG & Dry Cut SawKlutch ST80i/ST200i Stick/TigGrizzly G9742 BandsawMilwaukee Circular Steel Saw/Portaband/SWAG Offroad Table
Reply:For me, DC+ or AC, never really liked DC-125-135 amps for 1/8" 6013 for the way I like to weld.For practicing only, dunk it in water every couple passes so you can keep running beads - have fun Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:That machine likely draws 4 or 5 amps just on, not burning any electrode.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Originally Posted by SpEdYes, 1/8" rods. I've tried both and they seem the same to a greenhorn like me. LOLHopefully as I learn more I'll be better able to distinguish between the two. Thanks for everyone's input.
Reply:I'll try turning it up.  I'm working on keeping my arc tight, but I still long arc too much for my tastes, but I'm learning.  I've been trying different patterns, usually trying a circle pattern.  By "drag" do you mean to just keep the rod straight and pull it along the two workpieces?Last edited by SpEd; 02-19-2015 at 08:40 AM.Reason: typoMiller Diversion 165 TIGMillermatic 211/141 with Auto-SetHobart Stickmate LX235 AC/DC StickNorthern Tool 135 MIG & Dry Cut SawKlutch ST80i/ST200i Stick/TigGrizzly G9742 BandsawMilwaukee Circular Steel Saw/Portaband/SWAG Offroad Table
Reply:6013 and 7014 are both "drag" rods. By this I mean you can literally drag the flux of the rod on the plate as you go. You can feel the flux as it touches the plate before it burns back. This gives you a fixed arc length that is easy to maintain. Just keep enough pressure on the rod so the flux stays in contact with the plate as you travel along.If you want a really sweet rod that makes you look like a pro, see if you can't manage to get your hands on some 7024 rods. It can be hard to locate them in anything other than 50 lb boxes, but they will make one of the nicest beads if you drag them that you'll ever see if you even do 1/2 your part. Down side is that they aren't good for anything but flat beads, or horizontal fillets. That's too bad as most new guys do at least 90% of their beads in those position on average.Assuming your amps, rod angle and travel speed are correct, the slag will either simply flake off behind you as you go, or in some cases curl up like a scorpions tail.Each brand of rod will have it's own "sweet spot" for amperage to get those perfect results. 120-135 amps DC+ usually covers that range pretty well. If you have an AC only machine, your amps may have to be slightly higher. I don't weld AC very much, so I don't have those numbers exactly off the top of my head..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan